With the Outstanding Varieties Competition of the Society of American Florists, growers and breeders from around the world are offered the opportunity to showcase their most outstanding varieties, and this year, it took place during SAF Phoenix 2023. Several companies participated, including Floral Chain, which took home 7 ribbons, one best in class, 5 blue ribbons, and 1 red ribbon.
Awards and Ribbons
Expert judges ranked the entries and awarded ribbons in 13 different categories. Blue and red ribbons will be awarded along with Best in Class and Best in Show. So, how does it work? Judges scored each entry based on color and commercial appeal, stem and foliage, bloom form and size, and overall presentation. The judging panel, which included three retailers, three growers, and three wholesalers, evaluated specific categories of flowers, and the highest-scored entry of each won "Best in Class." From this elite group, judges chose their Best in Show winner. Blue ribbons are awarded to entries that score in the top 15%, and red ribbons are awarded to entries that score in the next 30%. Click here for all judging guidelines.
FloralChain
Floral Chain, a group of Ecuadorian farms, also participated in the competition and took home 7 ribbons. Below more information about the winning varieties.
Best in class Other Cut Flower: Veronica Pink Victory®
"Veronica Pink Victory flower displayed an exquisite and captivating beauty that immediately caught the judges' attention. Its vibrant colors, unique shape, and captivating fragrance set it apart from the competition. This veronica is pollen-free, has sturdy stems, and the spaces between flowers are almost non-existent. All these awesome qualities made Veronica Victory win."
Hypericum Cool Romance®:
"Known for its elegant white and big berries. Its simplicity and classic beauty make it a versatile choice for enhancing garden landscapes and creating timeless floral arrangements. And don't forget the great count of berries per stem!"
Hypericum True Romance®:
"With vivid red berries and glossy green foliage, this eye-catching plant adds a vibrant pop of color to gardens and arrangements, making it a popular choice for both ornamental and floral use."
Hypericum Sweet Romance®:
Featuring dainty and unique pink berries and glossy green foliage. With its soft and feminine hues, this hypericum adds a touch of romantic elegance to gardens and floral compositions, making it a lovely choice for various decorative purposes."
Veronica White Victory®
It is a charming perennial flower known for its slender spikes of pure white blooms. Its graceful, upright appearance and clean white petals make it a classic choice for adding a touch of timeless beauty to gardens and floral arrangements, symbolizing purity and simplicity. This variety is also pollen-free, has sturdy stems, and the spaces between flowers are almost non-existent.
Veronica Blue Victory®
"A captivating perennial flower prized for its vibrant, deep blue spikes of blossoms. With its striking color and elegant vertical growth, this Veronica variety adds a bold and enchanting presence to gardens and floral displays, making it a standout choice for those seeking a touch of rich, regal beauty. This variety is also pollen-free, has sturdy stems, and the spaces between flowers are almost non-existent."
Eryngium Blue Dynamite®
"A striking wildflower with spiky blue cones and a distinctive, prickly appearance. Its unique metallic blue hue and rugged texture give it a unique and bold presence in natural settings, making it a symbol of resilience and strength in the world of wildflowers."
For more information:
Floral Chain
USA: +1 786 397 7276
ECU: +593 2 254 1572
[email protected]
www.floralchain.com